Chris' Story and a Poem of Possibilities |
 My name is Chris and I’ve been given the privilege of writing to you (Rawhide staff and donors), the people who have shown me what it really means to care. Without the support you have given to Rawhide I would not be the person I am today. I would still be breaking the law, doing drugs, and not caring who I hurt or how I did it. I acted the way I did because I was convinced no one cared about some black kid from Rhinelander; but through the opportunities you have blessed me with, I was able to see that people really do care and I’m not all alone.
At first it was hard for me to accept Rawhide’s program because I’ve never had people care about me like they do here and it confused me. I debated whether their care was real and fought it because I did not want to allow myself to be hurt again. By trying to protect myself, I started building up walls that soon turned into thinking errors, which kept me from thinking positively and having healthy relationships. But through the staffs’ persistence and altruism I was able to trust them and start working on my thinking errors and trust issues. My favorite part about Rawhide is being a part of a real family who I see truly loves me and wants me to succeed. The atmosphere of Rawhide carries an enjoyable sense of warmth that would make anyone feel right at home.
Another thing that was difficult for me was the structure of the program. It is strict, but that is not a bad thing. Actually, it is exactly what I needed, because the rules and regulations showed me that all my actions have consequences. Positive or negative, depends on what I do. Also the structure is beneficial. Through the program they have also taught me the proper way to act in the community in the midst of temptation. If I can function properly here with all the rules, I can function in society, and maybe even give back to the community instead of being destructive.
I’ve heard the name Jesus before, but I thought He would never love someone as horrible as me. Through this program I’ve been able to see Him for who He really is, and amazingly, He does love me and is on my side. Because of your love, support, and prayers, I have been able to make real changes and set real goals for myself. Here at Rawhide I found myself and the person God intended me to be.
Now I understand that I’ve still got a lot of work to do, but Rawhide gave me a great start! I cannot thank all of you enough for what you have done for me and my family. I went home a few days ago and my stepfather sat me down and looked me in the eye, then told me something I’ve never heard. He told me that I’m becoming a man, and it is all thanks to Rawhide and all of its supporters.
When I first came here I saw the whole thing as a punishment; but when I look back, it was far from punishment; it was the greatest gift anyone could ever have given me. Thank you for giving me a new life. Thanks to you I can start over. I’m free.
Sincerely,
Chris
Photo Caption: Chris (right) receives encouragement and help with his reading and writing class from Terri Simpson, an academic instructor at Rawhide’s Starr Academy.
Chris enjoys writing and has excelled in his English class. The following is a poem Chris wrote as a school assignment envisioning his life five years from now. |
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| A Poem of Possibilities | | In future years of five at college Chris does arrive
He will be engaged
After he has gained five years of age
Angel is her name she makes his heart burst in flame
Like a lion trainer she keeps the beast tame
He devotes his time to school
And with Jesus he is forever cool
There will be parties and girls but
Chris is no fool Chris wants to be a writer
He is a lover not a fighter he would also like to major in business
But he might need help with this
People will notice him at his high-school reunion because
He will be quite taller and I assure you his biceps will not be smaller his hair will be cut shinning and fair but what people think
Other than God and Angel he does not care
He is able to enjoy life because soon he will have a wife
God loves this couple and will keep them from strife
He knows not what God has planned, so for now he can lay on the beach and enjoy the sand with his fiancé hand-in-hand
Chris enjoyed high-school because he could spread the Gospel to his class mates and even students in other states, he was able to impact lives and for Gods’ glory he continually strives, some people ask why and he simply says “I cannot lie I love you and Jesus does too”.
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